New York Democrats are throwing away party loyalty in favor of the most qualified candidates, an Examiner.com survey has shown.

Registered Democrats appear ready to vote Democratic at the top of the ticket, but when it comes to other races they're voting for the candidate they feel will do the best job, even if he may be a Republican.

"I want the best representation possible," said Steve Farrington, 39 as he left a Brooklyn polling site. "I'm a lifelong Democrat and I voted for [Andrew] Cuomo, but I can't stomach [Tom] DiNapoli or [Eric] Schneiderman."

Farrington wasn't alone. Many Democrats we spoke with said they were crossing Party lines, particularly when it came to the Comptrolller and Attorney General races.

Former mayor Ed Koch, a Democrat was out this morning stumping for Republican Attorney General candidate Dan Donovan.

"We may not agree on everything, but he's an independent voice and that's what's most important," Koch told this reporter. "With a likely Democratic governor, I think it's good to have someone from a different party as Attorney General. It serves as a check on the executive."

Outside a Gristedes in Chelsea Donovan's Democratic rival, State Senator Eric Scheniederan touted his record as a reformer and talked up his support for marriage equality and a woman's right to choose.

"I think in the end voters want the candidate who will do the best job," Schneiderman told Examiner.com.

While voters appear to agree with him in the end that may cost him votes.

Examiner.com will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2010 elections.